Russia, who has lost two straight games and is 3-3 overall in the tournament, has not gelled at any point during their time in Slovakia and has played in five straight one-goal games. The dominant team that had won 27 straight World Championship games last year has not appeared. If they lose against Canada, Russia will be eliminated.

Zakharkin – It’s not like we just go play soccer. We’re not a soccer team. We need the ball to generate team interaction and improve speed and force. On the field we form the team we want to see on the ice. Aggressive, fast, winning the battles, making quick decisions!

Question – What is missing from our leaders? Is it self-confidence?

Zakharkin – It’s not about confidence. Opponent doesn’t outplay us [big, big sigh], doesn’t move the play into our zone. Does our team look embarrassed recently? No! But we have to admit, we have problems with finishing offensively. Who are the best scorers in our team? Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Radulov — they don’t play their game. They try not to offend each other and avoid comments about being selfish.

Question – Speaking of Ovechkin…

Zakharkin – Alex, in the games against the Czechs and Finns, was two different players. He progresses fast. In these two days off, Ovechkin will acclimate completely. In the game against Canada, he’ll show his best. We’ll ask for more aggressiveness out of him. Both with and without the puck. Because it’s what he’s good at. And, of course, finishing shots.